EC Orthopaedics

Fracture and bone diseases injure bone structure and a proper material or method is needed to heal the injured site. Successful bone healing is one of the significant worldwide concerns and the orthopedic surgeons emphasis on this notable issue. Metabolism and catabolism are two consequential responses for bone healing and a well balance between them leads to a more efficient fracture healing. One of the drugs that could interfere with these responses is bisphosphonates (BPs). They are a group of drugs with anti-catabolic effect and slow down the process of osteoclastic function and catabolic reactions and result in a reduction of bone degradation and increase the mechanical strength of callus. This drug family also helps the process of healing by inhibiting the apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. Besides, this family does not just have desirable effects on bone regeneration but it may have some side effects and limits the capacity of healing. Therefore, in this article, we stated both the positive and negative effects of BPs with focus on the most potent one in clinical usage, named zoledronate (ZOL) on bone healing. Zoledronate is effective on the recruitment, proliferation, and migration of osteoblasts in addition to its anti-resorptive activity and results in enhanced bone remodeling and regeneration. Based upon the efficient effects of zoledronate on bone regeneration, it could be used as one of the efficacious treatment regimens in this field.

Keywords: Bone Healing; Bisphosphonates; Anti-Catabolic Effect; Zoledronate

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